I would like to include the Philippines under the Asia-Pacific Region. The Philippines real estate sector is booming and is commendable to be recognized as one of the most attractive places to invest NOW. Fueled by economic growth, the real estate sector is experiencing its most prosperous state. Quoting from an article by Global property guide dated 24th of August 2012, "This (partly) English-speaking country finds itself ideally positioned to take advantage of the global outsourcing boom. Employment is surging, skyscrapers are going up, unemployment is falling, the malls and restaurants are full, and there’s the happy sound of money ringing in shopkeepers’ tills." The year 2012 will spark the beginning of new architectual developments, rising sky-srapers, and shift in population density to newly developed super cities like Global City, Taguig.

I've been here since 1999 and the Philippines has never been a popular topic in Skyscraperpage simply because its so "North American" centric here. Before Skyscrapercity and its predecessor, "World Skyscraper Forums" was created, I was but one of two or three Filipino forumers here.

If you are really want to check out what goes on in the Philippines, just go to the Skyscrapercity Philippine Forums.

Even though its under the umbrella of Skyscrapercity, the Philippine Forums by itself is pretty much a thriving and self contained community.

Its the best information site for all skyscraper and urban projects in the area, so much so we even have actual real estate developers, agents, and numerous owners and investors of various residential and commercial projects constantly participate in a regular basis. Its very useful for news and such, especially for us "Overseas Pinoys"...

Market continues bull run, hits new record high
PhilstarPhilstar – November 7, 2012

MANILA, Philippines - Local stocks hit a new record high for the second straight trading session yesterday and for the 25th time this year.

Analysts said the market was buoyed by benign inflation and upbeat news on third quarter corporate earnings.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi), a basket of 30 stocks regarded as the benchmark of the market’s overall performance, advanced by another 0.29 percent or 15.79 points to settle at 5,473.61 from 5,457.82 a day ago.

The broader all-shares index gained 0.32 percent of 11.30 points to end at 3,595.47.

Philippines: Pearl of the Orient & Rising Tiger of Asia Pampanga: Culinary Capital of the Philippines & Shopping Capital of Northern LuzonCity of San Fernando: The Christmas Capital of Asia, Capital of Pampanga & Economic Center of Central Luzon, Hall of Famer & Most Awarded LGU, One of the Best Cities in the World by LivCom

Philippines: Pearl of the Orient & Rising Tiger of Asia Pampanga: Culinary Capital of the Philippines & Shopping Capital of Northern LuzonCity of San Fernando: The Christmas Capital of Asia, Capital of Pampanga & Economic Center of Central Luzon, Hall of Famer & Most Awarded LGU, One of the Best Cities in the World by LivCom

Manila (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN) - Global investment bank JP Morgan has picked the Philippines as one of its three most-favoured stock markets for 2013, marking the fourth straight year that the local bourse is expected to outperform most of its regional peers.

"We are still very bullish for 2013," JP Morgan Securities Philippines Inc. executive director and head of equity research Gilbert Lopez said in a press briefing yesterday. The two other Asian markets seen by JP Morgan as top market picks for next year are Thailand and India, citing favourable demographics as a common denominator with the Philippines.

Philippines: Pearl of the Orient & Rising Tiger of Asia Pampanga: Culinary Capital of the Philippines & Shopping Capital of Northern LuzonCity of San Fernando: The Christmas Capital of Asia, Capital of Pampanga & Economic Center of Central Luzon, Hall of Famer & Most Awarded LGU, One of the Best Cities in the World by LivCom

MANILA, Philippines - Local financial markets rolled into record territory yesterday, as a generally upbeat investor sentiment pushed the peso and the stock index to new highs, and Treasury bill rates to historic lows.

Analysts attributed the strong performance to renewed confidence on developed nations solving their debt problems, as well as optimism in the strength of the local economy.

At the Philippine Stock Exchange, the benchmark PSEi closed 27.08 points or 0.5 percent higher yesterday at 5,579.42 – a new all-time high.

Considered an immediate gauge of investor confidence, the 30-company PSEi has hit record highs a total of 29 times so far this year.

Philippines: Pearl of the Orient & Rising Tiger of Asia Pampanga: Culinary Capital of the Philippines & Shopping Capital of Northern LuzonCity of San Fernando: The Christmas Capital of Asia, Capital of Pampanga & Economic Center of Central Luzon, Hall of Famer & Most Awarded LGU, One of the Best Cities in the World by LivCom

A general view is seen of Bonifacio Global City central business district in Taguig City Metro Manila November 15, 2012. The capital of the Philippines is in the throes of a property boom described as the best in two decades, reflecting the increasing confidence in an economy that only recently began shedding its image as one of the region's basket cases. Picture taken November 15, 2012. REUTERS/Cheryl Ravelo View Photo

MANILA (Reuters) - Manila's changing skyline demonstrates a city coming up in the world.

The capital of the Philippines is in the throes of a property boom described as the best in two decades, reflecting the increasing confidence in an economy that only recently began shedding its image as one of the region's basket cases.

Nowhere is it more obvious than at Bonifacio Global City, a commercial and residential property development on a portion of land carved out from Manila's biggest army base.

Originally sold by a cash-strapped government in the mid-1990s, building only got underway in earnest during the last six years after Ayala Land Inc took ownership. Under the Spanish-Filipino business clan that runs Ayala, construction is now going at full tilt.

"Work here is 24 hours," said Renel Reyes, an engineer and property manager overseeing a 30-storey tower due to be completed by the year-end.

Soon to be home for Nickel Asia Corp and local conglomerate Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc , NAC Tower is just one of several tower blocks under construction. As his own workers carried in sleek aluminum rails, Reyes said the state of the market was obvious to anyone who looked up.

"There are so many tower cranes, a good indicator of the construction boom right now."

Philippines: Pearl of the Orient & Rising Tiger of Asia Pampanga: Culinary Capital of the Philippines & Shopping Capital of Northern LuzonCity of San Fernando: The Christmas Capital of Asia, Capital of Pampanga & Economic Center of Central Luzon, Hall of Famer & Most Awarded LGU, One of the Best Cities in the World by LivCom

The Philippines said the economy grew 7.1 percent year on year in the three months to September, making it the best performer in Southeast Asia and putting it on track to beat its annual forecast.

Officials said reforms initiated by President Benigno Aquino had led to improved fiscal management, transparent public spending and a better overall business environment that all helped to fuel growth.

"This was made possible due to sustained confidence in the leadership of President Aquino and his administration, which has consistently equated good governance with good economics," Aquino spokesman Edwin Lacierda said on Wednesday.

Aquino, who was elected in 2010, has instituted anti-corruption reforms while seeking to boost revenues and improve government spending.

As a result, the Philippines, once an economic laggard, posted higher growth in the third quarter than Indonesia, the region's biggest economy, which grew 6.2 percent, Lacierda said.

Philippines: Pearl of the Orient & Rising Tiger of Asia Pampanga: Culinary Capital of the Philippines & Shopping Capital of Northern LuzonCity of San Fernando: The Christmas Capital of Asia, Capital of Pampanga & Economic Center of Central Luzon, Hall of Famer & Most Awarded LGU, One of the Best Cities in the World by LivCom

Philippines: Pearl of the Orient & Rising Tiger of Asia Pampanga: Culinary Capital of the Philippines & Shopping Capital of Northern LuzonCity of San Fernando: The Christmas Capital of Asia, Capital of Pampanga & Economic Center of Central Luzon, Hall of Famer & Most Awarded LGU, One of the Best Cities in the World by LivCom

Reuters/REUTERS - A child looks at a Christmas decor for sale inside a store in Manila November 19, 2012. The Philippines, a mainly Roman Catholic country in Southeast Asia celebrates one of the longest Christmas holiday in the world, playing Christmas carols in shopping malls in September and putting up lantern and fireworks early in December. REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco (PHILIPPINES - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY)

Shopping is indeed more fun in the Philippines, both for tourists who go on buying sprees during trips and locals who make a living as merchants.

Philippines: Pearl of the Orient & Rising Tiger of Asia Pampanga: Culinary Capital of the Philippines & Shopping Capital of Northern LuzonCity of San Fernando: The Christmas Capital of Asia, Capital of Pampanga & Economic Center of Central Luzon, Hall of Famer & Most Awarded LGU, One of the Best Cities in the World by LivCom

Manila (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN) - The office space market in the Philippines is setting new records, led by demand from business process outsourcing (BPO) companies and multinationals, indicating growing business confidence, according to one of the country's largest property consulting firms.

In a briefing on Monday, Jones Lang LaSalle Leechiu's (JLLL) director for project leasing, Sheila Lobien, said that from January to November 2012, demand for office space rose to a total 425,000 square metres, and may rise further by yearend.

This level is at least 18 per cent higher than the annual average demand of 360,000 sqm recorded in 2011.

Non-BPO firms consisting of multinational and local companies accounted for 100,000 sqm, or 25 per cent of current demand, she said.

More importantly, companies are already committing to take up space even before office buildings are completed, indicating strong optimism and higher business activity projected for 2013.

Pre-commitments are backed up by signed lease agreements between parties, and advanced rent and security deposits are paid by the lessee.

Lobien said pre-commitments more than doubled in January to November 2012 as compared to the same period last year.Read more...

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Philippines: Pearl of the Orient & Rising Tiger of Asia Pampanga: Culinary Capital of the Philippines & Shopping Capital of Northern LuzonCity of San Fernando: The Christmas Capital of Asia, Capital of Pampanga & Economic Center of Central Luzon, Hall of Famer & Most Awarded LGU, One of the Best Cities in the World by LivCom

It would appear that Filipinos have taken to heart the words of that classic Christmas carol that goes, “at magmula ngayon, kahit hindi pasko ay magbigayan.”

According to the World Giving Index 2012 by British organization Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), the Philippines is the 17th most generous country out of 146 countries included in the study, with a world giving index score of 45 percent.

The World Giving Index ranked countries based on three "giving behaviors:" donating money to a charity, volunteering time for an organization, and helping strangers.

Philippines: Pearl of the Orient & Rising Tiger of Asia Pampanga: Culinary Capital of the Philippines & Shopping Capital of Northern LuzonCity of San Fernando: The Christmas Capital of Asia, Capital of Pampanga & Economic Center of Central Luzon, Hall of Famer & Most Awarded LGU, One of the Best Cities in the World by LivCom

MANILA, Philippines --- Some parts of the world may still be oblivious of the Philippines as a hot beach-holiday destination but American travel magazine Condé Nast Traveller predicts that the country's heavenly islands and white sand beaches are among the newest destinations to watch for in 2013.

On the magazine's online site (www.cntraveller.com), the Philippines ranked second in its "Top 10 hot destinations that will be big news for travelers in 2013." Brazil topped the list. The Netherlands' city of Amsterdam was ranked third; Africa, fourth; Galapagos Islands, fifth; Kashmir, sixth; Mayan Riviera, seventh; New Zealand, eighth; Panama, ninth; and Oman, 10th.Read more...

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Philippines: Pearl of the Orient & Rising Tiger of Asia Pampanga: Culinary Capital of the Philippines & Shopping Capital of Northern LuzonCity of San Fernando: The Christmas Capital of Asia, Capital of Pampanga & Economic Center of Central Luzon, Hall of Famer & Most Awarded LGU, One of the Best Cities in the World by LivCom

AFP News - Cranes and container trucks are seen at the port of Manila on August 30. The Philippines said Thursday the economy grew a better-than-forecast 5.9 percent in the three months to June, largely due to a strong services sector.

Manila (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN) - Philippine merchandise exports topped those of other Asian countries in the first 11 months of 2012, the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) said yesterday.

But private economists believe a strong rebound in outbound shipments may still be a long way off.

Merchandise exports earnings in November grew 5.5 per cent to US$3.551 billion, from the $3.366 billion seen the previous year. This brought year-to-date exports to $48.026 billion-7 per cent up from the $44.898 billion recorded in the same period of 2011, the National Statistics Office said.

Philippines: Pearl of the Orient & Rising Tiger of Asia Pampanga: Culinary Capital of the Philippines & Shopping Capital of Northern LuzonCity of San Fernando: The Christmas Capital of Asia, Capital of Pampanga & Economic Center of Central Luzon, Hall of Famer & Most Awarded LGU, One of the Best Cities in the World by LivCom

Philippines: Pearl of the Orient & Rising Tiger of Asia Pampanga: Culinary Capital of the Philippines & Shopping Capital of Northern LuzonCity of San Fernando: The Christmas Capital of Asia, Capital of Pampanga & Economic Center of Central Luzon, Hall of Famer & Most Awarded LGU, One of the Best Cities in the World by LivCom

Is it safe to say that 2013 might be the Philippines' year? Time Magazine's "Person of the Year" issue (which is available in bookstores nationwide) has an article on the Philippines -- "A New Asian Tiger is Born."

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Philippines: Pearl of the Orient & Rising Tiger of Asia Pampanga: Culinary Capital of the Philippines & Shopping Capital of Northern LuzonCity of San Fernando: The Christmas Capital of Asia, Capital of Pampanga & Economic Center of Central Luzon, Hall of Famer & Most Awarded LGU, One of the Best Cities in the World by LivCom

Reuters/Reuters - A worker operates a concrete road cutter as a bus drives past by along a road at Manila's Makati financial district March 29, 2013. Fitch Ratings raised the Philippines' credit rating to investment grade, a first for the Southeast Asian nation, in a move expected to boost investment and lift the country's long-term growth potential. REUTERS/Cheryl Ravelo REUTERS/Cheryl Ravelo

The Philippines has been hailed as "Asia's rising star" by a global think tank, as it noted that it expects the country to grow faster than most of the world this year and in 2014.

Stellar economic expansion made the Philippines "among the brightest parts of a generally gloomy global picture," Moody’s Analytics said in a report released Wednesday.

The country's gross domestic product topped expectations by growing 6.6 percent in 2012, a result Moody's Analytics said "looks sustainable, as risks are low and most sectors of the economy are growing solidly."

"We expect GDP growth to remain in the 6.5 to 7-percent range in 2013 and 2014, making the Philippines one of the world's fastest-growing economies," the report noted.

The forecasts hew to the government target of 6-7 percent in 2013 and 6.5-7.5 percent next year.

Moody's Analytics is a sister company of global debt watcher Moody's Investor Service, which places the Philippines a notch below investment grade with a Ba1 rating.

The Philippines last month bagged its first-ever investment grade in history from credit watchdog Fitch Ratings, which also lauded growth amid a global slowdown.

Moody's Analytics linked the Philippine's performance to "good governance" which it said is "far and away the most important driver of growth in emerging markets."

It also lauded President Benigno Aquino III for implementing much-needed reforms and for continuing those initiated during the Arroyo administration.

"The government's 2011-2016 development plan provides a five-year blueprint for growth and development, providing transparency, predictability and accountability," the report said.

"The crackdown on corruption and encouragement of local and foreign investments, in particular, have worked well," it added.

Philippines: Pearl of the Orient & Rising Tiger of Asia Pampanga: Culinary Capital of the Philippines & Shopping Capital of Northern LuzonCity of San Fernando: The Christmas Capital of Asia, Capital of Pampanga & Economic Center of Central Luzon, Hall of Famer & Most Awarded LGU, One of the Best Cities in the World by LivCom

Philippines: Pearl of the Orient & Rising Tiger of Asia Pampanga: Culinary Capital of the Philippines & Shopping Capital of Northern LuzonCity of San Fernando: The Christmas Capital of Asia, Capital of Pampanga & Economic Center of Central Luzon, Hall of Famer & Most Awarded LGU, One of the Best Cities in the World by LivCom